Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a first cell array structure having a plurality of battery cells; a second cell array structure stacked on one side of the first cell array structure and having a plurality of battery cells; the stacking guide unit is used for guiding a stacking structure of the first battery cell array structure and the second battery cell array structure, and the stacking guide unit comprises a middle guide unit arranged between the first battery cell array structure and the second battery cell array structure; and a side guide unit covering at least a portion of each side of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure and connected to the intermediate guide unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery pack in which a plurality of cell array structures are structurally stable and robustly stacked and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0076632, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 12, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones has grown rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites and the like has accelerated. Therefore, in line with this, active research is underway on high-performance rechargeable and rechargeable batteries.

[0004] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages of flexible charging and discharging, such as virtually no memory effect, extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density, compared to nickel-based batteries.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries typically use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, a lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an outer casing. In the electrode assembly, positive and negative electrode plates, coated with positive and negative active materials respectively, are arranged with a separator inserted between them. The outer casing stores the electrode assembly and electrolyte in a sealed manner.

[0006] Furthermore, based on the shape of the battery casing, lithium-ion secondary batteries can be divided into pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode components are stored in a bag made of aluminum laminate, and can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode components are stored in a metal can. Additionally, based on the shape of the metal can, can-type secondary batteries can be further divided into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries. To provide high voltage and high current, these lithium-ion secondary batteries are assembled into a dense structure by stacking multiple battery cells, overlapping each other with or without a battery casing, and then electrically connected to form a battery module or battery pack.

[0007] Currently, research and development are actively underway for such battery packs, which are configured as individual modules or cell assemblies. These are achieved by densely stacking multiple cylindrical battery cells to make them stand upright, and by having a battery pack frame surrounding these cells, thereby improving structural rigidity. In particular, to increase energy capacity, the size of individual modules or cell assemblies is increasing.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a battery pack in which individual modules or cell assemblies with increased size can be structurally and securely mounted in the battery pack frame. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack in which a first cell array structure and a second cell array structure are stably and securely stacked, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0011] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with enhanced rigidity and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0012] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack that can effectively prevent heat transfer phenomena and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0013] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a lightweight battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0014] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with improved assembly efficiency and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0015] The technical problems sought to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that other problems not mentioned above will also be apparent.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a first cell array structure having a plurality of battery cells; a second cell array structure stacked on one side of the first cell array structure and having a plurality of battery cells; and a stacking guide unit configured to guide the stacked structure of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure, wherein the stacking guide unit may include: an intermediate guide unit disposed between the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure; and a side guide unit configured to at least partially cover the side of the first cell array structure and the side of the second cell array structure and connected to the intermediate guide unit.

[0018] Multiple intermediate boot units can be configured.

[0019] The intermediate guide unit may have at least one protrusion that protrudes toward the second cell array structure to support the second cell array structure.

[0020] The second cell array structure may include at least one side structure configured to support and store a plurality of battery cells, and the protrusion may support the side structure.

[0021] The battery pack according to this disclosure may also include a pad disposed between the protrusion and the second cell array structure.

[0022] In the battery pack according to this disclosure, the second cell array structure and the first cell array structure may be spaced apart from each other by the intermediate guide unit to form a discharge space.

[0023] The intermediate guiding unit may have at least one through hole, which is open toward the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure.

[0024] The intermediate guide unit may include: at least one protrusion protruding toward the second cell array structure to support the second cell array structure; and at least one through hole opening toward the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure, and the protrusion and the through hole may be alternately arranged.

[0025] The battery pack according to this disclosure may also include an insulating member disposed between the first cell array structure and the intermediate guiding unit.

[0026] The side guide unit can be fastened to the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure by a first bolt.

[0027] The side guide unit may extend elongatedly in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure, and the side guide unit may have a shaped portion that extends along the length direction of the side guide unit to be recessed to at least accommodate the end of the intermediate guide unit.

[0028] The intermediate guide unit and the side guide unit can be connected to each other by bolt fastening with a second bolt.

[0029] The second bolt may be a welding bolt that is welded to the intermediate guide unit.

[0030] The battery pack according to this disclosure may further include: a battery pack housing having a storage space formed for storing the first cell array structure, the second cell array structure and the stacking guide unit; and a crossbeam connected to the battery pack housing to separate the storage space, and the side guide unit may be connected to the crossbeam.

[0031] The side guide unit may include: a first mounting bracket, which is connected to the crossbeam and disposed on the side of the first cell array structure; and a second mounting bracket, which is connected to the crossbeam and disposed on the side of the second cell array structure, and the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket may be staggered when viewed from the stacking direction of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure.

[0032] The side guide unit may include: a first side guide unit disposed on the side of the middle guide unit; and a second side guide unit stacked on the first side guide unit and located on the opposite side of the middle guide unit relative to the first side guide unit.

[0033] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes at least one battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] According to this disclosure, a battery pack in which a first cell array structure and a second cell array structure are stably and securely stacked by including a stacking guide unit, and a vehicle including the battery pack, may be provided.

[0036] In addition, a battery pack with enhanced rigidity by stacking guide units and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0037] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack capable of effectively preventing heat transfer by stacking guide units and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0038] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a lightweight battery pack by stacking guide units and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0039] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with improved assembly efficiency through stacking guide units and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0040] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention other effects not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a side structure of the stacked guide unit and the second cell array structure in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to a variant of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the first bolt fastened to the cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the sidewall to which the first bolt is fastened in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a front view showing a stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 11 This is an exploded and enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 12 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 13This is a plan view showing a cell array structure assembly connected to a crossbeam in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 14 This is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 15 This is an enlarged perspective view showing a stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 16 This is a view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for best explanation.

[0059] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the battery pack in the image. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 4 A battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. The battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first cell array structure 100, a second cell array structure 200, and a stacking guide unit 300.

[0062] The battery pack 10 can be configured as a three-dimensional structure having a predetermined length, predetermined width, and predetermined height in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The battery pack 10 can have a structure suitable for mounting on a vehicle body.

[0063] The first cell array structure 100 may have multiple battery cells 110. The battery cells 110 are secondary batteries and may be configured as cylindrical, pouch-type, or prismatic secondary batteries. In the following description, although the multiple battery cells 110 in this embodiment will be described as being configured as cylindrical secondary batteries, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent that pouch-type or prismatic secondary batteries may be used with the battery cells 110.

[0064] In the first cell array structure 100, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in a horizontal direction parallel to the XY plane and perpendicular to the Z direction. The first cell array structure 100 can be understood as a single component or a structure in which multiple battery cells 110 are arranged as described above.

[0065] The second cell array structure 200 may have multiple battery cells 110. The battery cells 110 of the second cell array structure 200 may be constructed and arranged in the same manner as the battery cells 110 of the first cell array structure 100.

[0066] The second cell array structure 200 can be stacked on one side of the first cell array structure 100. For example, the second cell array structure 200 can be stacked on the side or top of the first cell array structure 100 in the +Z direction.

[0067] The battery pack 10, including the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200, can be configured as a so-called cell-to-pack structure without including separate module housings, thereby increasing space efficiency and improving energy density. The first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be configured to have a large area by increasing the number of battery cells 110 arranged therein.

[0068] The stacking guide unit 300 can be configured to guide the stacking of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. The stacking guide unit 300 can be equipped with a middle guide unit 310 and a side guide unit 320.

[0069] The intermediate guide unit 310 can be disposed between the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. Based on the intermediate guide unit 310, the first cell array structure 100 can be disposed on the side or bottom of the intermediate guide unit 310 in the -Z direction. Based on the intermediate guide unit 310, the second cell array structure 200 can be disposed on the side or top of the intermediate guide unit 310 in the +Z direction.

[0070] The first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be separated from each other by an intermediate guide unit 310. The intermediate guide unit 310 can support the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 along the Z direction or the up-down direction. For example, the intermediate guide unit 310 can support the second cell array structure 200 downward or along the -Z direction, and support the first cell array structure 100 upward or along the +Z direction.

[0071] The side guide unit 320 can at least partially cover the sides of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. The side guide unit 320 can at least partially support the sides of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200, and can prevent the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 from separating from the stack guide unit 300.

[0072] The aforementioned side can be understood as, for example, the side in the +X direction and the side in the -X direction. A side guide unit 320 may cover a portion of the side of the first array structure and a portion of the side of the second cell array structure 200. For example, a side guide unit 320 may cover both a portion of the side of the first cell array structure 100 in the +Z direction and a portion of the side of the second cell array structure 200 in the -Z direction.

[0073] The side guide unit 320 can be disposed on both sides of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. For example, the side guide unit 320 can be disposed on both sides of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 in the +X direction and the -X direction.

[0074] The side guide unit 320 can be connected to the intermediate guide unit 310. The side guide unit 320 can be connected to both sides of the intermediate guide unit 310 respectively. For example, the side guide unit 320 can be connected to each end of the intermediate guide unit 310 in the +X direction and the -X direction.

[0075] According to the present disclosure, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 of the battery pack 10 can be stably and firmly supported in the Z direction or vertical direction by the intermediate guide unit 310, while remaining in a spaced-out state. Furthermore, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be stably and firmly supported in the X direction or horizontal direction by the side guide unit 320. Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be stably and firmly stacked by the stacking guide unit 300.

[0076] The intermediate guide unit 310 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. Furthermore, the side guide units 320 can extend in directions perpendicular to both the stacking direction of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 and the length direction of the intermediate guide unit 310. For example, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be stacked in the Z direction, the intermediate guide unit 310 can extend in the X direction, and the side guide units 320 can extend in the Y direction. In this case, the intermediate guide unit 310 can have a width in the Y direction, and the side guide units 320 can have a width in the Z direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Y direction, the stacking guide unit 300 can be configured in an "H" shape.

[0077] Meanwhile, each of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 may have a predetermined width, length, and height. The width, length, and height of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 may be formed in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively.

[0078] The first cell array structure 100, the second cell array structure 200, and the stacking guide unit 300 can be assembled into a cell array structure assembly 400. The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may include at least one cell array structure assembly 400.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the side structure of the stacked guide unit and the second cell array structure in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Further reference will be made below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The stacking guide unit 300 of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0081] Multiple intermediate guide units 310 can be provided. The multiple intermediate guide units 310 can be spaced apart from each other. The multiple intermediate guide units 310 can be spaced apart along the width direction of the intermediate guide units 310. For example, if the intermediate guide units 310 have a width in the Y direction, the multiple intermediate guide units 310 can be spaced apart from each other along the Y direction.

[0082] When multiple intermediate guiding units 310 are provided, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be supported at different positions, so that the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be stacked more stably and firmly.

[0083] The intermediate guide unit 310 may have at least one protrusion 311. The protrusion 311 may be formed to protrude toward the second cell array structure 200. The protrusion 311 may face the second cell array structure 200. For example, the protrusion 311 may protrude toward the +Z direction and contact the bottom of the second cell array structure 200. The protrusion 311 may support the second cell array structure 200. Because the intermediate guide unit 310 has at least one protrusion 311, the second cell array structure 200 can be supported more firmly and stably by the protrusion 311, thereby enhancing the overall rigidity of the battery pack 10.

[0084] As described above, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be separated from each other by an intermediate guide unit 310. Since the intermediate guide unit 310 has a protrusion 311, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be separated more reliably. In this case, the gap between the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be configured to be at least equal to or greater than the protrusion height of the protrusion 311. Therefore, by adjusting the protrusion height of the protrusion 311, the gap between the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can be adjusted.

[0085] The second cell array structure 200 may have at least one side structure 120. The side structure 120 may be configured to support and store a plurality of battery cells 110. Specifically, in the second cell array structure 200, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in a row along one direction (hereinafter referred to as a row of battery cells 110), and the side structure 120 may be disposed between two rows of battery cells 110 to support and store each row of battery cells 110 on both sides. The side structure 120 may extend in one direction. For example, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in a row along the Y direction in the second cell array structure 200, and the side structure 120 may extend along the Y direction. The first cell array structure 100 may have the same side structure 120 as the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200.

[0086] The protrusion 311 can support the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200. The protrusion 311 can support the bottom of the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200 upwards or along the +Z direction. The protrusion 311 can be located at a position corresponding to the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the protrusion 311 can be located at at least one position where the side structure 120 and the intermediate guide unit 310 overlap.

[0087] The battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a pad P. The pad P may be disposed between the protrusion 311 and the second cell array structure 200. When the protrusion 311 supports the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200, the pad P may be disposed between the protrusion 311 and the side structure 120.

[0088] The pad P can reduce or fill the gap between the protrusion 311 and the second cell array structure 200. The pad P can suppress vibrations or shocks transmitted between the protrusion 311 and the second cell array structure 200. The pad P can reduce noise that may occur between the protrusion 311 and the second cell array structure 200 and can improve the durability of the battery pack 10.

[0089] The pad P may include polyurethane material. Polyurethane is a plastic and has the advantages of being strong, elastic, and having high tensile strength. Furthermore, polyurethane is a material with excellent abrasion resistance, aging resistance, and oil resistance. Therefore, when the pad P includes polyurethane material, the pad P can more effectively reduce the gap between the protrusion 311 and the second cell array structure 200, and can more effectively suppress vibrations or impacts transmitted between the protrusion 311 and the second cell array structure 200.

[0090] The intermediate guiding unit 310 can separate the second cell array structure 200 and the first cell array structure 100 from each other to form a discharge space VS. The discharge space VS can be understood as the space through which exhaust gases, flames or solid exhaust streams released from the battery cell 110 flow when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110.

[0091] In the battery pack 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the discharge space VS is formed between the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 through the intermediate guide unit 310, heat propagation that may occur between the battery cells 110 can be effectively prevented.

[0092] The intermediate guiding unit 310 may have at least one through hole 312. The through hole 312 may be configured to communicate with the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. The through hole 312 may be configured to communicate between the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200.

[0093] When the through-hole 312 is provided in the intermediate guide unit 310, the intermediate guide unit 310 can be made lighter while maintaining its rigidity. Therefore, the battery pack 10 can be made lighter through the through-hole 312.

[0094] Furthermore, since the through-hole 312 is connected to both the second cell array structure 200 and the first cell array structure 100, heat propagation can be effectively prevented. Specifically, when a thermal event occurs in either the second cell array structure 200 or the first cell array structure 100, exhaust gases, flames, or solid emissions from the battery cell 110 can flow through the through-hole 312 into the space between the second cell array structure 200 and the first cell array structure 100, thereby effectively preventing heat propagation.

[0095] In the intermediate guide unit 310, the protrusion 311 and the through hole 312 can be alternately arranged. The protrusion 311 and the through hole 312 can be alternately arranged along the length direction of the intermediate guide unit 310. For example, when the intermediate guide unit 310 extends in the X direction, the protrusion 311 and the through hole 312 can be alternately arranged in the X direction.

[0096] When the protrusion 311 is located at a position corresponding to the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200, the through hole 312 can be located at a position not corresponding to the side structure 120 of the second cell array structure 200. For example, when viewed along the Z direction, the through hole 312 can be located at a position that does not overlap with the side structure 120.

[0097] As described above, when the protrusion 311 and the through hole 312 are alternately arranged in the intermediate guide unit 310, the advantage is that the intermediate guide unit 310 can maintain rigidity more effectively while being lightweight. In addition, the intermediate guide unit 310 can support the second cell array structure 200 more evenly, and the battery cell 110 can be exposed closer to the through hole 312, thereby more effectively preventing heat transfer.

[0098] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to a variant of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 A detailed description of a variant of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The battery pack 10 according to a variant of the embodiments of this disclosure may further include an insulating member 500 disposed between the first cell array structure 100 and the intermediate guide unit 310. The insulating member 500 may block flame or heat. The insulating member 500 may include a mica material. The insulating member 500 may be provided in sheet form. The insulating member 500 may be disposed on the side of the first cell array structure 100 facing the +Z direction or on its top. The insulating member 500 may cover the side of the first cell array structure 100 in the +Z direction or on its top.

[0101] When the battery pack 10 also includes an insulating member 500, if a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 10, it can effectively prevent the movement of exhaust gases, flames or solid emissions generated from one of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 to other cell array structures, thereby more effectively preventing heat propagation.

[0102] With the intermediate guide unit 310 having a through-hole 312, the second cell array structure 200 can be directly exposed to the insulating member 500 through the through-hole 312. As a result, when a thermal event occurs in the second cell array structure 200, heat propagation can be prevented more effectively.

[0103] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the first bolt fastened to the cell array structure assembly in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the sidewall to which the first bolt is fastened in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The stacking guide unit 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0105] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the side guide unit 320 of the stacking guide unit 300 can be fastened to the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 by bolts. The side guide unit 320 can be fastened to the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 by a first bolt B1.

[0106] Multiple first bolts B1 can be provided, and some of the first bolts B1 can connect the side guide unit 320 and the first cell array structure 100, while the remaining first bolts can connect the side guide unit 320 and the second cell array structure 200. The first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 can have internal threads formed therein by machining threaded holes, thereby engaging with the first bolts B1 respectively.

[0107] The first bolt B1 can be inserted into the first cell array structure 100 or the second cell array structure 200 from the outside through the side guide unit 320, thereby fastening it thereto. Specifically, when the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 are stacked while being guided by the stacking guide unit 300, the first bolt B1 can pass through the side guide unit 320 to fasten it to the first cell array structure 100 or the second cell array structure 200.

[0108] As described above, when the side guide unit 320 is bolted to the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 by the first bolt B1, the advantage is that the side guide unit 320 can be firmly and securely fixed to the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. Furthermore, since the first bolt B1 can be tightened externally in the direction toward either the first cell array structure 100 or the second cell array structure 200, this improves the assembly efficiency of the cell array structure assembly 400.

[0109] Each of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 may have at least one sidewall 130. The sidewall 130 may be configured to support and store a plurality of battery cells 110. Specifically, the sidewall 130 may be configured to support and store rows of battery cells 110 at the outermost edges of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. The sidewall 130 may extend in one direction. For example, the sidewall 130 may be located at the outermost edges of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 in both the +X and -X directions, and may extend in the Y direction.

[0110] The first bolt B1 can be fastened to the sidewall 130 of each of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. Specifically, an internal thread for engaging the first bolt B1 can be formed in the sidewall 130 by machining a threaded hole. The first bolt B1 can be fastened to the sidewall 130 between two battery cells 110. That is, the internal thread for engaging the first bolt B1 can be formed in a portion of the sidewall 130 between the two battery cells 110. In this case, the depth to which the first bolt B1 is inserted into the sidewall 130 can be maximized, so that the side guide unit 320 and the sidewall 130 can be more securely connected.

[0111] Figure 10 This is a front view showing the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is an exploded and enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 12 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 and Figures 10 to 12 The stacking guide unit 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0113] The side guide unit 320 may have a molding portion 321. The side guide unit 320 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. For example, as described above, the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 may be stacked in the Z direction, and the side guide unit 320 may extend in the Y direction.

[0114] The molding portion 321 can be recessed while extending along the length of the side guide unit 320. For example, the side guide unit 320 can extend in the Y direction, and the molding portion 321 can extend in the Y direction while being recessed. The molding portion 321 can be recessed toward the intermediate guide unit 310. The molding portion 321 can accommodate at least the end of the intermediate guide unit 310. The molding portion 321 can accommodate the end of the intermediate guide unit 310 on a side facing the +X direction and / or the -X direction.

[0115] With the molding portion 321 disposed in the side guide unit 320, the rigidity of the side guide unit 320 can be further enhanced. Furthermore, the middle guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320 can be more securely connected to each other. Therefore, the overall rigidity of the battery pack 10 can be further enhanced.

[0116] At the same time, refer to Figure 10The side guide unit 320 may have a bent edge 322. The bent edge 322 may be provided at one end or the other end of the side guide unit 320. Here, the one end may represent the side facing the second cell array structure 200 or the +Z direction, and the other end may represent the side facing the first cell array structure 100 or the -Z direction. The bent edge 322 may be formed to be bent in a direction away from the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200. When the side guide unit 320 is provided with a bent edge 322, the rigidity of the side guide unit 320 can be further enhanced.

[0117] The intermediate guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320 can be connected to each other by bolting with a second bolt B2. The second bolt B2 can pass through the intermediate guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320 in sequence, and can then be fastened to a nut N located on the outside of the stacked guide unit 300 (i.e., the side of the side guide unit 320).

[0118] When the intermediate guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320 are fastened together by the second bolt B2, the intermediate guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320 can be more firmly joined.

[0119] The second bolt B2 may have a head H and an external thread BT. The head H may be located inside the stacked guide unit 300 (i.e., on the side of the intermediate guide unit 310). The external thread BT may be located outside the stacked guide unit 300 (i.e., on the side of the side guide unit 320) and may engage with the nut N.

[0120] The second bolt B2 can be a welding bolt. The welding bolt can be welded to the intermediate guide unit 310. A welding bolt can be understood as having one end welded to the second bolt B2 of the intermediate guide. For example, a welding bolt can be understood as a second bolt B2 whose external thread BT passes through the intermediate guide unit 310, and whose head H is welded to the intermediate guide unit 310.

[0121] If the second bolt B2 is a weld bolt, it can facilitate the assembly process of the intermediate guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320, and the intermediate guide unit 310 and the side guide unit 320 can be joined more firmly.

[0122] The intermediate guide unit 310 may be provided with a recess 313. The recess 313 may be formed to be recessed from the end of the intermediate guide unit 310 toward the side guide unit 320, and may accommodate the head H of the second bolt B2. When the intermediate guide unit 310 has a recess 313, the rigidity of the intermediate guide unit 310 may be further enhanced.

[0123] The intermediate guide unit 310 may have a bent portion 314. The bent portion 314 may be formed by bending from the end of the intermediate guide unit 310. For example, the bent portion 314 may be formed by bending from both ends of the intermediate guide unit 310 in the X direction in the Z direction. When the intermediate guide unit 310 has a bent portion 314, the rigidity of the intermediate guide unit 310 can be further enhanced. The bent portion 314 may be accommodated in the forming portion 321 of the side guide unit 320. The second bolt B2 may pass through the bent portion 314 and the side guide unit 320 in sequence. A recess 313 may be formed in the bent portion 314.

[0124] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing a cell array structure assembly connected to a crossbeam in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 13 The battery pack 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described in more detail. The battery pack 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a battery pack housing 600.

[0126] The battery pack housing 600 can be configured to store the cell array structure assembly 400. A storage space S for accommodating the cell array structure assembly 400 can be formed inside the battery pack housing 600. Multiple cell array structure assemblies 400 can be stored in the storage space S.

[0127] A crossbeam 610 can be connected to the battery pack housing 600. The crossbeam 610 can be configured to connect to the battery pack housing 600 to separate the storage space S within the battery pack housing 600. The crossbeam 610 can be arranged across the storage space S. For example, the crossbeam 610 can be arranged to extend in the Y direction inside the battery pack housing 600. The crossbeam 610 can increase the overall rigidity of the battery pack 10. Multiple crossbeams 610 can be connected to the battery pack housing 600. For example, as shown, multiple crossbeams 610 can be respectively arranged in the center and on the outer side of the storage space S. In this case, the cell array structure assembly 400 can be arranged between any two crossbeams 610.

[0128] The side guide unit 320 can be connected to the crossbeam 610. When the side guide unit 320 is connected to the crossbeam 610, the cell array structure assembly 400 can be connected to the crossbeam 610. As described above, the crossbeam 610 can increase the rigidity of the battery pack 10, and the side guide unit 320 of the cell array structure assembly 400 can be connected to the crossbeam 610, thereby further enhancing the rigidity of the battery pack 10 when the side guide unit 320 is connected to the crossbeam 610.

[0129] The side guide unit 320 may have a first mounting bracket 323 and a second mounting bracket 324. The first mounting bracket 323 may be connected to the crossbeam 610 and disposed on the side of the first cell array structure 100. For example, the first mounting bracket 323 may be connected to the crossbeam 610 on the side facing the +Z direction.

[0130] The second mounting bracket 324 can be configured to be connected to the crossbeam 610 and is located on the side of the second cell array structure 200. For example, the second mounting bracket 324 can be connected to the crossbeam 610 in the -Z direction.

[0131] When viewed from the stacking direction of the first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200, the first mounting bracket 323 and the second mounting bracket 324 can be arranged to be staggered. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the first mounting bracket 323 and the second mounting bracket 324 can be arranged to be staggered. When the side guide unit 320 having the first mounting bracket 323 and the second mounting bracket 324 is connected to the crossbeam 610 as described above, the torsional rigidity of the battery pack 10 can be increased.

[0132] Two cell array structure components 400 can be connected to a crossbeam 610 (e.g., Figure 13 A crossbeam 610 is disposed between two cell array structure assemblies 400. In this case, the first mounting bracket 323 and the second mounting bracket 324 of one cell array structure in the crossbeam 610 can be alternately arranged with the first mounting bracket 323 and the second mounting bracket 324 of the other cell array structure, respectively. In this case, the space efficiency of the battery pack 10 can be improved while maintaining the rigidity of the battery pack 10.

[0133] The first mounting bracket 323 and the second mounting bracket 324 can be respectively formed to extend from the bent edge 322 of the side guide unit 320.

[0134] The battery pack housing 600 may include a base plate 620. The base plate 620 may be disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure assembly 400. The bottom of the battery pack housing 600 may be formed therein in the base plate 620. The battery pack housing 600 may include a side wall 630. The side wall 630 may surround the base plate 620, and a storage space S may be formed inside the side wall 630 and the base plate 620. The battery pack housing 600 may include a battery pack cover 640. The battery pack cover 640 may be attached to the top of the side wall 630 to cover the storage space S.

[0135] Figure 14 This is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 15This is an enlarged perspective view showing a stacked guide unit in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] In the following text, refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The following describes in detail another embodiment of the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0137] In a battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the side guide unit 320 may include a first side guide unit 320-1 and a second side guide unit 320-2. The first side guide unit 320-1 may be configured to be disposed on the side of the intermediate guide unit 310. The second side guide unit 320-2 may be configured to be stacked on the first side guide unit 320-1 and located on the opposite side of the intermediate guide unit 310 relative to the first side guide unit 320-1. The first side guide unit 320-1 may be disposed inward facing the intermediate guide unit 310, and the second side guide unit 320-2 may be disposed outward.

[0138] The first side guide unit 320-1 may have the same construction as the side guide unit 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second side guide unit 320-2 may be configured to stack outside the first side guide unit 320-1. That is, the side guide unit 320 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the second side guide unit 320-2 is stacked on the same first side guide unit 320-1 as the side guide unit 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Since the side guide unit 320 is constructed by stacking the first side guide unit 320-1 and the second side guide unit 320-2, the rigidity of the side guide unit 320 or the stacked guide unit 300 of the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be further enhanced.

[0140] Both the first side guide unit 320-1 and the second side guide unit 320-2 can be fastened to the intermediate guide unit 310 by bolts. For example, both the first side guide unit 320-1 and the second side guide unit 320-2 can be fastened to the intermediate guide unit 310 by the second bolt B2 and the nut N.

[0141] The first side guide unit 320-1 may have a first molding portion 321-1, and the second side guide unit 320-2 may have a second molding portion 321-2. The first molding portion 321-1 may extend into a recess to receive the end of the intermediate guide unit 310, and may be constructed in the same manner as the molding portion 321 of the side guide unit 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second molding portion 321-2 may extend into a recess to receive the first molding portion 321-1.

[0142] The inner portion of the second molding portion 321-2 can be formed to be slightly larger than the outer portion of the first molding portion 321-1. That is, the inner portion of the second molding portion 321-2 can accommodate the outer portion of the first molding portion 321-1. In this case, when the first side guide unit 320-1 and the second side guide unit 320-2 are stacked on top of each other, the first side guide unit 320-1 and the second side guide unit 320-2 can be more easily aligned, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the battery pack 10.

[0143] The first side guide unit 320-1 may have a first bent edge 322-1. The first bent edge 322-1 may be configured to be the same as the bent edge 322 of the side guide unit 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the second side guide unit 320-2 may have a second bent edge 322-2. Similar to the first bent edge 322-1, the second bent edge 322-2 may be formed to be bent outward from at least one of the two ends of the second side guide unit 320-2.

[0144] Refer again Figure 5 and Figure 9 The first cell array structure 100 and the second cell array structure 200 may further include a cooling unit 140. The cooling unit 140 may be configured to cool a plurality of battery cells 110 and may be positioned to contact the sides of the battery cells 110. The cooling unit 140 may be disposed between two adjacent rows of battery cells 110 to extend in one direction, thereby contacting the sides of the battery cells 110 belonging to each row of battery cells 110. For example, the cooling unit 140 may be configured to extend along the Y direction. The cooling unit 140 may be spaced apart from the side structure 120.

[0145] Although not shown, the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may also include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells 100, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0146] Figure 16 This is a view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] In the following text, refer to Figure 16 The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure can be applied to a vehicle V such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, a vehicle V according to this disclosure may include the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure. The battery pack 10 may be installed in the vehicle body frame under the vehicle seats or in the trunk space. Furthermore, in addition to the battery pack 10, the vehicle V according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to embodiments of this disclosure, the vehicle V according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include a body, a motor, control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0148] In addition to the vehicle V, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can also be installed in other devices, equipment and facilities (e.g., energy storage systems using secondary batteries).

[0149] Although directional terms (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, and back) are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for ease of explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0150] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims which are to be described below by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0151] [Symbol Explanation]

[0152] 10: Battery Pack

[0153] 100: First cell array structure

[0154] 110: Battery Cells

[0155] 120: Side structure

[0156] 130: Sidewall

[0157] 140: Cooling Unit

[0158] 200: Second cell array structure

[0159] 300: Stacked Guide Unit

[0160] 310: Intermediate Guide Unit

[0161] 311: Protrusion

[0162] 312: Through hole

[0163] 313: concave part

[0164] 314: Bending section

[0165] 320: Side guide unit

[0166] 321: Molding section

[0167] 322: Bending edge

[0168] 323: First mounting bracket

[0169] 324: Second mounting bracket

[0170] 320-1: First side guide unit

[0171] 321-1: First molding section

[0172] 322-1: First bend edge

[0173] 320-2: Second side guide unit

[0174] 321-2: Second molding section

[0175] 322-2: Second bend edge

[0176] 400: Cell array structure component

[0177] 500: Insulating components

[0178] 600: Battery pack casing

[0179] 610: Crossbeam

[0180] 620: Base Plate

[0181] 630: Sidewall

[0182] 640: Battery pack cover

[0183] P: Pad

[0184] VS: Emission space

[0185] B1: First bolt

[0186] B2: Second bolt

[0187] N: Nut

[0188] BT: External thread

[0189] H: Head

[0190] S: Storage space

[0191] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a first cell array structure having a plurality of battery cells; a second cell array structure stacked on one side of the first cell array structure and having a plurality of battery cells; and a stacking guide unit configured to guide a stacked structure of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure, wherein the stacking guide unit comprises: an intermediate guide unit disposed between the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure; and a side guide unit configured to at least partially cover sides of the first cell array structure and sides of the second cell array structure and connected to the intermediate guide unit. 2.The battery pack of claim 1, provided with a plurality of intermediate guide units. wherein 3.The battery pack of claim 1, the intermediate guide unit has at least one protrusion protruding toward the second cell array structure to support the second cell array structure. wherein 4.The battery pack of claim 3, the second cell array structure includes at least one side structure configured to support and store the plurality of battery cells, and wherein wherein the protrusion supports the side structure. 5.The battery pack of claim 3, the battery pack further includes a pad disposed between the protrusion and the second cell array structure. 6.The battery pack of claim 3, the second cell array structure and the first cell array structure are spaced apart from each other by the intermediate guide unit to form a discharge space. wherein 7.The battery pack of claim 1, the intermediate guide unit has at least one through hole open toward the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure. wherein 8.The battery pack of claim 1, the intermediate guide unit comprises: wherein, at least one protrusion protruding toward the second cell array structure to support the second cell array structure; and at least one through hole open toward the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure, and wherein the protrusion and the through hole are alternately disposed with each other. 9.The battery pack of claim 8, the battery pack further includes an insulating member disposed between the first cell array structure and the intermediate guide unit. 10.The battery pack of claim 1, the side guide unit is coupled to the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure by bolt fastening by a first bolt. wherein 11.The battery pack of claim 1, the side guide unit is elongatedly extended in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure, and wherein, ​ The side guide unit has a shaped portion extending in a length direction of the side guide unit to be recessed to accommodate at least an end portion of the middle guide unit.

12. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein The middle guide unit and the side guide unit are coupled to each other by bolt fastening by a second bolt.

13. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein The second bolt is a welding bolt welded to the middle guide unit.

14. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: a battery pack case having a storage space formed to store the first cell array structure, the second cell array structure, and the stack guide unit; and a cross beam coupled to the battery pack case to partition the storage space, wherein the side guide unit is coupled to the cross beam.

15. The battery pack of claim 14, wherein The side guide unit includes: a first mounting bracket coupled to the cross beam and disposed at the first cell array structure side; and a second mounting bracket coupled to the cross beam and disposed at the second cell array structure side, and wherein the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are staggered when viewed from a stacking direction of the first cell array structure and the second cell array structure.

16. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein The side guide unit includes: a first side guide unit disposed to the middle guide unit side; and a second side guide unit stacked on the first side guide unit and located at an opposite side of the middle guide unit with respect to the first side guide unit.

17. A vehicle including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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